Friday, May 18, 2012

Walnut, Cranberry, and Apple Salad with Raspberry Honey Vinaigrette

We've had some gorgeous spring weather with pleasant afternoons and cool nights.  Perfect weather for after dinner bike rides and early morning jogs.  Something about spring kicks my cravings for salads into high gear.  I made this salad last week for Ethan's birthday party and have made it twice since then.  It's a winner salad.  And my kiddos love this it too.  It's just the right balance of sweet and tart and the textures are very pleasing.  I just love having prepared salad on-hand ready in the fridge, such an easy snack/lunch.  If you're looking to incorporate a salad into your weekly rotation, perhaps you'll give this one a try.   

Ingredients:
Salad Fixin's
-1 pound mix of fresh baby spinach and romaine (or your preferred greens)
-1 ½ cups dried cranberries
-1 ½ cups toasted walnuts, chopped
-2 medium size red apples, small chop
-1 cup red onion, small chop

Raspberry Vinaigrette
-1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
-1/2 cup olive oil 
-2 tablespoons of honey
-2 tablespoons of raspberry preserves, no added sugar, preferably (I use this brand)
-1 teaspoon dijon mustard 
-1/4 teaspoon salt
-1/2 teaspoon garlic granules (or ½ small garlic clove, minced - check for heat)
-1/8 teaspoon onion powder 

How To:
1.  In a large bowl, combine salad fixin's.
2.  In a separate bowl add vinegar, honey, jelly, mustard, salt, garlic, and onion powder - whisk.
3.  While briskly whisking, slowly drizzle in oil.
4.  Add dressing to entire salad (your desired amount, heavy or light) and about 5 minutes before serving.  Or drizzle dressing on individual servings bowls. 
5.  Store leftover dressing in glass container in the refrigerator  

Notes
*Serves 6 - 8 adults.  
*Adjust seasoning, sweetness, and flavors to your preference.  I like dressings on the tart side, I don't care for overly sweet.  So, make this your own and to your taste preference. 
I like to store my leftover dressing in an old honey jar 
I make a big batch of salad and store in a glass container, it keeps all week in the fridge. 
Shared on:  Just Another Meatless Monday, Melt in your Mouth Mondays,  Monday Mania  RuRuth's Real Food 101 (Mondays),  Fat Tuesdays, Traditional Tuesdays, Whole Food Wednesdays, Gluten Free Wednesdays, Real Food Wednesdays, Fresh Bites FridayFreaky FridayFight Back Friday, Friday Food, Potluck Party Friday,  Summer Salad Sundays

10 comments:

  1. The Cyclist's WifeMay 18, 2012 at 11:22 PM

    This looks great!!

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  2. kellie@foodtoglowMay 19, 2012 at 11:44 AM

    I do something similar to make quick raspberry vinegar, but I push raspberries through a sieve and then sweeten with honey to taste. Love fruity salads as I like veg more than fruit and these get me to eat more fruit. Lovely post

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  3. How many servings does this recipe provide? Thanks

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  4. Hi Marilyn,

    Great question! I forgot to add that bit of information. I've added it to the post. (serves 6 - 8, depending on salad portion size).

    Thanks!

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  5. What a yummy fabulous salad! I love apple and walnuts in a salad together. And if kids will eat it then that makes the salad perfect :)

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  6. Jessica @ Dairy Free BettyMay 25, 2012 at 9:31 AM

    Oooooh this dressing sounds awesome too!! I've been so busy and haven't been reading blogs - but I'm going to make my way through yours in the next few days!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. ella@lifeologiaMay 28, 2012 at 6:53 PM

    Oh this looks fantastic! I can just taste all these flavours in my mouth right now ;)
    Love this one ;)
    xoxo

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  8. I made this last week and it was AWESOME!!! I'm putting it on my "recipes that shine" page :)

    Thanks,
    Cassidy

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    Replies
    • Well thanks so much Cassidy!! Glad to hear it was a hit. I'm craving this salad today for sure. It might very well make its way to our dinner table tonight. :-)

      Delete
  9. Debbie @ Easy Natural FoodJune 6, 2012 at 3:02 PM

    You sure have a knack for making tasty salads (I'm so jealous!) I can't wait to make this, especially that amazing dressing....drool....drool! Thanks for sharing this with Summer Salad Sundays, look forward to seeing you again soon!

    ReplyDelete

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